Breast Cancer Screening: Research and Guidelines

In 2009, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released updated guidelines for breast cancer screening. The updates called for changes in well-known current practices for mammograms and breast exams. These changes caught a great deal of media attention and raised public confusion and concern.

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screening tests are designed to find cancer in people who do not have symptoms. The hope is that finding cancer earlier will prevent cancer deaths. Research has tried to measure how well screening tests are doing this. Current breast cancer screening options include mammograms, breast exam by a healthcare provider, and breast self-exam.

The USPSTF is a panel of experts in medicine that reviews research and develops guidelines for disease prevention and screening. The American Cancer Society (ACS) and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also provide guidelines for screening. These organizations create their guidelines based on their interpretation of current research.

Below are guidelines from USPSTF, ACS, and ACOG and summaries of current research. These guidelines and evidence summaries are for women with no symptoms or family history of breast cancer.

Age-Based Guidelines for Mammograms in Women40-49 years50-74 years75 years and older

*The USPSTF recommends against telling all women aged 40-49 years they should have mammograms. The decision to start screening every 2 years before the age of 50 years should be an individual one. It should be based on each person’s values regarding specific risks and benefits.

Clinical Breast ExamBreast Self-Exam

USPSTFNo recommendations were madeNot recommended

ACSEvery 3 years for women aged 20-39 Every year starting at age 40Optional starting at age 20 Women should be informed of potential benefits and harms.

ACOG
Every 1-3 years for women aged 20-39Every year starting at age 40Consider for high-risk women

Mammograms

There have been many studies on mammograms, but they were not done perfectly. As a result, experts analyzing the research may reach different conclusions.

For women 40-69 years, regular mammograms appear to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. There is little evidence about the benefit of mammograms in women aged 70 years or older.

Studies suggest that screening starting at age 40 provides a small reduction in the risk of dying from breast cancer when compared to starting screening at age 50. No change in the overall risk of dying for any reason has been shown. There is also a chance of having abnormal test results that are not cancer. This can lead to unnecessary tests, procedures, and stress.

Here is an example of the effect of mammography for women 40-49 years. If 1,000 women in this age group get a screening mammogram:

one woman will have a cancer that is not seen on the mammogram

100 will have an abnormal mammogram. Out of these women:

90 will be watched more closely with imaging, but not have a biopsy

10 of these women with an abnormal mammogram will have a biopsy (to determine if cancer is present)

8 of these women will not have cancer

2 of these women will have cancer discovered

Here is an example of the effect of mammography for women aged 50-69 years. If 1,000 women in this age group get a screening mammogram:

one woman will have a cancer that is not seen by the mammogram

83 will have an abnormal mammograms. Out of these women:

72 will be watched more closely with imaging, but not have a biopsy

11 will have a biopsy (to determine if cancer is present)

7 of these women will not have cancer

4 of these women will have cancer discovered

Clinical Breast Exam by Healthcare Professional

There is very little evidence about the clinical breast exam. One study suggests a clinical breast exam may be as helpful as a mammogram.

Breast Self-Exam

There are studies comparing women who regularly check their breasts and women who do not. These studies all show no effect on the risk of dying from breast cancer. These studies do show an increase in finding lumps that are not cancer. This can lead to unnecessary medical tests, procedures, and stress.

If you are interested in self-exam, get instructed on the proper technique. It is more important to have breast self-awareness so you can report any breast changes to your healthcare provider.

Final Decisions

This information can be confusing. Your age, overall health status, and family history of cancer may affect your decision to have screening tests. Discuss the risks and benefits of breast cancer screening specific to you with your healthcare provider.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.